For all the blundering and missed tackles in the first quarter, it was the Saints defense that showed up at the end of the first half to preserve a 14-13 lead at the half. A case of poor clock management and costly penalties also moved the Bucs out of field goal range and into the locker room trailing by one.

But the defense reverted to form after the offense didn't light it up out of the gate in the second half. The defense seemed to have hit a stride, making it more difficult for the Bucs to move down the field.

But that doesn't mean the Bucs didn't. Earnest Graham capped a six play, 55-yard touchdown drive with a 25-yard touchdown run to give Tampa Bay the lead again.